Let's Put an End To Horse Fighting

Several groups are actively campaigning to stop the barbaric practice of horse fighting. In this cruel practice, that some call sport, horses are corralled and forced to fight each other. The horses suffer severe injuries and do not receive any veterinary care. Often, horses that are badly injured (or killed) during the fight are slaughtered and fed to the crowds.
http://www.youtube.com/watchv=sIY0eybqB7Q
Children are allowed watch this barbaric practice, that passes for family entertainment in some parts of the world. In the Philippines laws exist to protect animals against this type of cruelty. However, despite this, the practice continues, with officials turning a blind eye and even offering prize money in some cases. Some of these events are even televised.
As human beings we have a duty of care to the animals that we take responsibility for. Several animal welfare groups are campaigning to end the brutal practice of horse fighting.
The WSPA is asking people like you and I to support their efforts by writing to embassies of the Philippines in our respective countries, explaining that:
We believe horse fighting and the inhumane slaughter of horses is cruel and therefore unacceptable.
We are disappointed that the Philippines animal welfare legislation is not being upheld, allowing these illegal fights to continue.
We will not consider visiting the island of Mindanao or encouraging others to do so until the laws preventing horse fighting are fully enforced.
We would like to know what the government of the Philippines intends to do to address this issue.
You can view the WSPA's online campaign to end horse fighting here: http://www.wspa.org.uk/latestnews/2008/horsefighting.aspx
The Network for Animals campaign asks people to send a letter directly to the Mayor of Davao City, the largest city on the island of Mindanao and the economic hub of the area.
Inform Mayor Duterte that as a compassionate traveler, you choose tourism destinations that are committed to treating animals humanely. Only when all horse fighting has been ended, will you consider traveling to Mindanao.
Mayor Duterte's address is given on the Network for Animals site and repeated here:
Rodrigo Duterte, Mayor
Davao City Investment Promotion Center
Door 10, Ramon Magsaysay Park Complex, R. Magsaysay Avenue
Davao City, Philippines
You can view the Network For Animals online campaign to end horse fighting here: http://www.networkforanimals.org/Site/level2.phpid=88&article=157
Signatories to this petition will have their names sent to the Government of the Philippines and the Mayor of Davao City supporting these sentiments.